EQ mount for 10" DOB?

Has anyone out there tried to build an EQ mount for a DOB this size? I like my Orion XT10, but an EQ mount for it would make it the perfect scope for me...I think. Anyone see any problems with this? I have a machine shop, and could probably build one. Any Thoughts for this beginner?

Richard

I regularly use a 10 inch F4.5 on a G-11. Meade used to sell the scope on a "Starfinder" mount. If you have a machine shop you should have no problem building the dovetail, and some way to mount the tube to it.

I would suggest before going there you consider the mirror cell. Many Dob mirror cells are made to allow the mirror to go horizontal and rotate around in azimuth. In an equatorial mount it needs to be controlled over a whole lot wider range of motions. Just be sure that when you move your mirror in the equatorial it will stay put.

Alex

Rich,

See ad http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=321963

This young pup seems to be turning out great machined pieces and providing them at very low prices! They would probably make a great start to an Eq mount for your 10" (though you better check with him on their sizing).

Best of luck in any case!
Tim

The Orion's Atlas mount is probably the least expensive mount that is close to being adequate for the XT-10. The XT-10 OTA and the Atlas 10 incher are the same OTA I believe.

But, when you put a Newtonian on an EQ mount, things change. What was an easy to move, easy to setup easy to use scope changes personalities.

Even with an 8 inch F5 Newt, things get awkward, the eyepiece is hard to reach at times. The observer straddles the counter weight, one has to constantly rotate the OTA in order to have the eyepiece in a reasonable position.

Just something to consider...

jon

You guys are great. I really appreciate all the diverse opinions and advice that gets posted on this forum. I will be re-thinking this...amazing what the mind comes up with when the skies are cloudy for days on end and you can't get outside to observe.

Richard

Richard,

Have you considered making a tracking table as opposed to a full blown EQ mount ?

David